Emergency Relief: Help the Ayala-Classen Family Rebuild

​On January 10th, 2026, beloved islanders Ambar Ayala, Hilton Classen, and their daughter Kelly returned from an urgent trip abroad to a tragedy: their family home had been ravaged by fire. While the family is safe, they are grieving the heartbreaking loss of their dog, Lana Lu, who did not survive the fire.

​A Message of Gratitude

​Before looking forward, Ambar and Hilton wish to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who has stood by them in these first difficult hours. They extend a heartfelt thank you to:

​The Fire Department & Police Department for their swift response and service.

​The Entire Community for the physical help and overwhelming words of comfort.

​Their Kind Neighbor for providing immediate housing across from their home.

​A Home Beyond Repair

​The destruction is absolute. Between the intense heat of the flames and the massive amount of water required to stop the blaze, most parts of the home have been deemed completely unsalvageable. * Structural Ruin: The porch, ceiling, and roof are gone. The first level suffered severe water damage, and the structural integrity of the cement walls and floors is compromised by deep cracks.

​Total Loss of Belongings: All personal items—including clothing, essential documents, and hygiene products—were lost. Every appliance and piece of furniture was destroyed.

​The Financial Burden

​Ambar and Hilton recently purchased this home through a private payment plan, which they are still working to complete. Because their insurance application was still processing and not yet active at the time of the fire, they are left with no coverage. They must now continue their existing property payments while simultaneously starting over from zero.

​How You Can Help

​The objective of this fundraiser is to assist with the demolition of the unsalvageable structure and the total rebuilding of a new home. Every bit of help from friends, family, and organizations will be forever appreciated by Ambar, Hilton, and Kelly.

​Ways to contribute:

​Donations: To fund the demolition and purchase of new building materials.

​Essentials: Providing clothes and basic hygiene items.

​Support: Sharing this post to reach those who can offer aid.

​"We are picking up the pieces slowly. Any support to help us rebuild our lives from the ground up will help us heal from this tragedy.